Top 30 Modern Classics - XX

Catch - 22

Joseph Heller

Catch-22 written by the American author Joseph Heller, was first published in 1961. The novel is set in World war 2, specifically during the period 1942 to 1944.

Captain John Yossarian is a bombardier in the 256th Squadron of the Army Air Forces during World War II. The agenda of his squadron is to bombard Italy and some parts of France. 

The initial chapters are ironic and humorous and vies the military and political establishments with cynicism.

The novel assumes gravity when the bombing raids on Ferrara, Bologna, and Avignon are described. During one such bombing run a young airman, Kraft, is killed.  On success of the bombing, John is promoted to Captain and awarded a medal. However the death of Kraft haunts him. 

The squadron flies to bomb Bologna a second time. John's tent mate, Orr, is shot down. The mission over Avignon next month is even more traumatic for John. His plane gets badly hit and his gunner, Snowden, is severely wounded. The author gives a very vivid description of the trauma of the war.

Leaves of absence in Rome allow respite for the men  who indulge in romance and parties. John has a brief affair here.

The reality of the war is brought out by the author in other forms also.  The squadron's mess officer, Milo, uses squadron funds to purchase black-market products. He builds a syndicate which deals in providing from food to sex. He organises  an air raid on his own base for profit. Another team member, Nately's devotion to his prostitute seems like an innocent young man's harmless crush until he insists on flying extra missions so that he can stay near her — and is killed the next time out.

Nately's death causes his girl friend to heap blame on John. He refuses to fly further missions. His commanding officer calls him and offers him a bargain which offers him a return home if he speaks well of his commanding officers. John agrees. As he leaves the office, he is assaulted by Nately's girlfriend and gets wounded. In the hospital, John reflects on all his friends who have died or disappeared during the year. He decides on a course  of action which I leave for the Reader to find out.

One of the best books of 20th century.

Namaste

Prabir